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Rayed Tansy

Tanacetum macrophyllum

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Plant Profile
Similar Species
Other Information
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Asterales

Family:

Asteraceae (Daisy)

Also in this family:

Alpine Blue Sow-thistle, Alpine Cotula, Alpine Fleabane, Alpine Saw-wort, Annual Ragweed, Annual Sunflower, Argentine Fleabane, Autumn Hawkbit, Autumn Oxeye, Beaked Hawksbeard, Beggarticks, Bilbao Fleabane, Black Knapweed, Black-eyed Susan, Blanketflower, Blue Fleabane, Blue Globe-thistle, Bristly Oxtongue, Broad-leaved Cudweed, Broad-leaved Ragwort, Brown Knapweed, Butterbur, Buttonweed, Cabbage Thistle, Canadian Fleabane, Canadian Goldenrod, Carline Thistle, Chalk Knapweed, Chamois Ragwort, Changing Michaelmas Daisy, Chicory, Chinese Mugwort, Chinese Ragwort, Coltsfoot, Common Blue Sow-thistle, Common Cat's-ear, Common Cudweed, Common Daisy, Common Dandelion, Common Fleabane, Common Goldenrod, Common Groundsel, Common Michaelmas Daisy, Common Mugwort, Common Ragwort, Common Wormwood, Coneflower, Confused Michaelmas Daisy, Corn Chamomile, Corn Marigold, Cornflower, Cotton Thistle, Cottonweed, Creeping Thistle, Daisy Bush, Dwarf Cudweed, Dwarf Thistle, Early Goldenrod, Eastern Groundsel, Eastern Leopardsbane, Elecampane, English Hawkweed, Fen Ragwort, Feverfew, Field Fleawort, Field Wormwood, Fox and Cubs, French Tarragon, Gallant Soldier, Garden Lettuce, Giant Butterbur, Glabrous-headed Hawkweed, Glandular Globe-thistle, Glaucous Michaelmas Daisy, Globe Artichoke, Globe-thistle, Goat's Beard, Golden Ragwort, Golden Samphire, Goldilocks Aster, Grass-leaved Goldenrod, Great Lettuce, Greater Burdock, Greater Knapweed, Grey-headed Hawkweed, Guernsey Fleabane, Hairless Blue Sow-thistle, Hairless Leptinella, Hairy Michaelmas Daisy, Harpur Crewe's Leopardsbane, Hawkweed Oxtongue, Heath Cudweed, Heath Groundsel, Hemp Agrimony, Highland Cudweed, Hoary Mugwort, Hoary Ragwort, Hybrid Knapweed, Intermediate Burdock, Irish Fleabane, Jersey Cudweed, Jerusalem Artichoke, Lance-leaved Hawkweed, Lavender-cotton, Leafless Hawksbeard, Least Lettuce, Leopardplant, Leopardsbane, Leptinella, Lesser Burdock, Lesser Hawkbit, Lesser Sunflower, London Bur-marigold, Magellan Ragwort, Marsh Cudweed, Marsh Hawksbeard, Marsh Ragwort, Marsh Sow-thistle, Marsh Thistle, Meadow Thistle, Melancholy Thistle, Mexican Fleabane, Milk Thistle, Mountain Everlasting, Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Musk Thistle, Narrow-leaved Cudweed, Narrow-leaved Hawkweed, Narrow-leaved Michaelmas Daisy, Narrow-leaved Ragwort, New England Hawkweed, New Zealand Holly, Nipplewort, Nodding Bur-marigold, Northern Hawksbeard, Norwegian Mugwort, Oxeye Daisy, Oxford Ragwort, Pearly Everlasting, Perennial Cornflower, Perennial Ragweed, Perennial Sow-thistle, Perennial Sunflower, Pineapple Mayweed, Plantain-leaved Leopardsbane, Ploughman's Spikenard, Plymouth Thistle, Pontic Blue Sow-thistle, Pot Marigold, Prickly Lettuce, Prickly Sow-thistle, Purple Coltsfoot, Red Star Thistle, Red-seeded Dandelion, Red-tipped Cudweed, Robin's Plantain, Roman Chamomile, Rough Cocklebur, Rough Hawkbit, Rough Hawksbeard, Russian Lettuce, Safflower, Salsify, Saw-wort, Scented Mayweed, Scentless Mayweed, Sea Aster, Sea Mayweed, Sea Wormwood, Seaside Daisy, Shaggy Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Shaggy Soldier, Shasta Daisy, Shetland Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Shrub Ragwort, Sicilian Chamomile, Silver Ragwort, Slender Mugwort, Slender Thistle, Small Cudweed, Small Fleabane, Smooth Cat's-ear, Smooth Hawksbeard, Smooth Sow-thistle, Sneezeweed, Sneezewort, Spear Thistle, Spotted Cat's-ear, Spotted Hawkweed, Sticky Groundsel, Stinking Chamomile, Stinking Hawksbeard, Tall Fleabane, Tall Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Tansy, Thin-leaved Sunflower, Treasureflower, Trifid Bur-marigold, Tuberous Thistle, Tyneside Leopardplant, Viper's Grass, Wall Lettuce, Welsh Groundsel, Welted Thistle, White African Daisy, White Butterbur, White Buttons, Willdenow's Leopardsbane, Winter Heliotrope, Wood Burdock, Wood Ragwort, Woody Fleabane, Woolly Thistle, Yarrow, Yellow Chamomile, Yellow Fox and Cubs, Yellow Oxeye, Yellow Star Thistle, Yellow Thistle, York Groundsel

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Maximum Size:

90 centimetres tall

Habitats:

Gardens, grassland, roadsides, wasteland, woodland.

Flower:

White, many petals

Clusters of daisy-like flowers. The flowers are slightly larger than those of the similar looking Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium).

Fruit:

A ribbed fruit with a pappus of hairs at one end.

Leaves:

The leaves are hairy, feathery, toothed and finely divided. The leaf tips are more pointed than the Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium). Perennial.

Other Names:

Big-leaved Tansy, Large-leaved Feverfew, Large-leaved Tansy, Tansy Daisy, White-flowered Tansy, Wild Tansy.

Frequency (UK):

Unusual

Feverfew

Perennial Ragweed

Summary

Tanacetum macrophyllum, also known as large-leaved tansy or big-leaved tansy, is a perennial herb native to Asia and Europe. It is similar to T. vulgare, but it has larger leaves and its flowers are more daisy-like. It can grow up to 3 feet tall, and it blooms in late summer to early fall. The leaves and flowers of T. macrophyllum have a strong, pungent aroma, and they are sometimes used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. It is considered as an invasive species in some areas, and it can be poisonous to livestock and humans if consumed in large amounts. The plant contains a volatile oil containing thujone which is toxic.

Blog

Rayed Tansy (Tanacetum macrophyllum) is a type of plant that belongs to the daisy family and is native to the Caucasus Mountains in Russia. It is a beautiful, hardy perennial that is prized for its abundant and showy yellow flowers that bloom in late summer. In this blog, we will explore the characteristics, cultural requirements, and uses of Rayed Tansy.

Characteristics of Rayed Tansy

Appearance: Rayed Tansy is a tall and stately plant that grows up to 3 feet in height and has a bushy and spreading habit. The foliage is a bright green and is composed of large, deeply lobed leaves that are up to 6 inches long. The flowers are arranged in large, flat-topped clusters and are up to 3 inches in diameter. Each flower has a yellow disk and ray florets that form a daisy-like shape. The blooms are abundant and long-lasting, making them a popular choice for cut flower arrangements.
Hardiness: Rayed Tansy is a hardy plant that is well-suited to a variety of growing conditions. It is tolerant of cold temperatures and can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F.
Disease and Pest Resistance: Rayed Tansy is a tough and resilient plant that is resistant to most common garden pests and diseases. It is also resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a great choice for gardeners who are plagued by these animals.

Cultural Requirements of Rayed Tansy

Soil: Rayed Tansy prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soils, but will perform best in a soil that is slightly acidic to neutral.
Light: Rayed Tansy prefers full sun to partial shade. It will bloom best in full sun, but can also grow in partial shade.
Water: Rayed Tansy is a drought-tolerant plant that does not require a lot of water. It should be watered regularly during periods of drought, but will tolerate dry spells once it is established.

Uses of Rayed Tansy

Ornamental: Rayed Tansy is a popular choice for gardeners who are looking for a beautiful and long-lasting flowering plant. Its showy yellow flowers are perfect for cut flower arrangements, and the plant is also great for adding height and interest to the back of a garden bed.
Medicinal: Rayed Tansy has a long history of medicinal use, and has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, fevers, and digestive problems. It should be used with caution, however, as it can be toxic if taken in large quantities.

In conclusion, Rayed Tansy is a beautiful, hardy, and versatile plant that is well-suited to a variety of growing conditions. Whether you are looking for a showy addition to your garden or a unique and interesting cut flower, Rayed Tansy is definitely worth considering.

Propagation of Rayed Tansy

Seeds: Rayed Tansy can be easily propagated from seed. Simply scatter the seeds on well-drained soil and cover with a light layer of soil. The seeds will germinate in about a week to 10 days.
Division: Rayed Tansy can also be propagated by division. This is best done in the spring or fall, when the plant is not actively growing. Simply dig up the plant, divide the root ball into smaller sections, and replant the divisions in well-drained soil.
Cuttings: Rayed Tansy can also be propagated from cuttings. Simply take a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches in length, remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and place the cutting in a container filled with well-drained soil. Water the cutting regularly, and keep it in a bright, but not direct, light. The cutting should root in about 4 to 6 weeks.

Designing with Rayed Tansy

Rayed Tansy is a great choice for adding height and interest to the back of a garden bed, or for creating a natural-looking border. It is also a great choice for planting along fences, walls, or in large pots. To create a beautiful and eye-catching display, try planting several clumps of Rayed Tansy together in a group, or intermingle with other tall perennials, such as Echinacea, Rudbeckia, or Asters.

Caring for Rayed Tansy

Caring for Rayed Tansy is relatively easy, and requires only basic maintenance. Here are a few tips to help you keep your plants looking their best:

Water regularly during periods of drought, but do not overwater.
Cut back the spent flowers to encourage reblooming and to maintain the plant's shape.
Divide the plant every 2 to 3 years to keep it healthy and to promote vigorous growth.

Wildlife Attraction

Rayed Tansy is not only attractive to gardeners, but it is also a great plant for attracting wildlife to your garden. Its showy yellow flowers are a great source of nectar for a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plant's leaves and stems are also a source of food for many species of butterflies and moths, including the Black Swallowtail and the Giant Swallowtail.

Companion Planting

Rayed Tansy is a great plant for companion planting, as it is easy to grow and does not require a lot of care. It is a great choice for planting with other tall perennials, such as Echinacea, Rudbeckia, or Asters. It is also a great choice for planting in mixed borders, as it provides a vertical accent that can be used to balance other plants.

Historical Significance

Rayed Tansy has a rich and fascinating history, and has been used for a variety of purposes throughout the ages. In ancient times, it was used as a medicinal herb, and was believed to have properties that could ward off evil spirits. In the Middle Ages, it was used as a strewing herb, and was spread on the floor of homes to help mask unpleasant odors. In modern times, Rayed Tansy is still valued for its medicinal properties, and is used to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, fevers, and digestive problems.

In conclusion, Rayed Tansy is a beautiful and versatile plant that is well-suited to a variety of growing conditions. Whether you are looking for a showy addition to your garden, a unique and interesting cut flower, or a way to attract wildlife to your garden, Rayed Tansy is definitely worth considering. With its abundant yellow flowers, attractive foliage, and rich history, this plant is sure to add beauty, interest, and value to your garden for many years to come.

Video

Rayed Tansy filmed at Little Rissington in Gloucestershire on the 26th June 2023.

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Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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